A great custom portrait starts long before the artist's brush touches paper—it starts with you providing the right information. The more details and reference materials you share, the closer the final artwork will match your vision. This guide walks you through exactly what artists need from you to create a portrait you'll love.
Reference Photos: The Foundation
Your artist will almost always ask for high-quality reference photos. These aren't just nice to have—they're essential. A clear, well-lit photograph of your face (or the subject's face) from the front, and ideally at a three-quarter angle, gives the artist crucial details about bone structure, facial proportions, and distinctive features.
Provide photos taken in natural daylight when possible. Avoid heavy shadows, extreme angles, or photos where half your face is obscured. If commissioning a group portrait, supply individual reference shots of each person plus a group photo showing how you want them positioned relative to one another. Most artists ask for 2–4 reference images; avoid sending 50 photos and expecting them to synthesize all of them.
Style and Medium Preferences
Tell your artist exactly what you want—and what you don't. Are you envisioning a realistic, photorealistic portrait? Something more stylized or cartoony? A watercolor illustration, oil painting, digital art, or pencil drawing? The style dramatically affects timeline, cost, and final appearance.
Provide reference images of styles you like. Pinterest boards, Instagram accounts of artists whose work appeals to you, or specific art movements (Renaissance portraiture, modern illustration, comic book style) all help. If you found the artist through a portfolio, they already work in their signature style, but clarifying your preferences ensures you're aligned before they start.
Specific Details About Appearance
Beyond the photo, mention any features you want emphasized or downplayed. Do you want to show a scar, tattoo, or birthmark? Should glasses or jewelry be included? What about hair length and color at the time of the commission—people change hairstyles, so confirm whether you want the portrait to reflect your current look or a specific moment in time.
For group portraits or family commissions, specify the relationships between subjects and how you'd like them arranged. Should everyone be at the same scale, or should children appear smaller? Do you want formal positioning or something relaxed and natural?
Background and Setting
Decide whether you want a simple, neutral background or something more elaborate. A plain white or soft gradient background costs less and takes less time than a detailed landscape or indoor scene. If you want a specific setting—your garden, your favorite coffee shop, a fantasy environment—describe it in detail or provide reference photos of that location.
Mood, Tone, and Occasion
Clarify the purpose and feeling you're after. Is this a formal portrait for your professional website? A sentimental family keepsake? A fun gift? A memorial piece? The intended use influences composition, formality, and color palette. A casual, playful illustration has a completely different tone than a dignified ancestral-style portrait.
Timeline and Budget Reality
While timeline isn't strictly "information about you," communicate it upfront. Custom portrait artists typically work 4–12 weeks out, depending on complexity and their workload. Rush commissions (2–3 weeks) usually cost 25–50% more. For realistic quotes, mention your budget range—portraits range from $200 for digital illustrations to $3,000+ for large oil paintings by established artists.
Revision Policy and Communication
Ask the artist how many revision rounds are included and what counts as a revision. Most artists include 1–2 rounds; significant changes after that may incur fees. Clarify communication preferences: email, phone calls, video consultations? Some artists provide work-in-progress photos; others deliver only the final piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the artist work from an old or low-quality photo? A: Most can work from older photos, but image resolution matters less than clarity—they need to see facial features distinctly. A small, blurry photo will result in less accurate proportions and details.
Q: Should I send a photo with makeup or filters? A: Send a natural, unfiltered photo. Heavy makeup or ring light effects obscure true skin tone and features, leading to inaccurate results.
Q: How much input do I have during the creation process? A: Most custom portrait artists provide 1–2 progress check-ins where you can request adjustments, though major changes late in the process may cost extra.
Ready to commission your perfect portrait? Use Mercoly to browse, compare, and hire trusted custom portrait artists in your area—all in one place.